KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government wants to have a closer work relationship with the Chinese government as the state looks to rebuild its economy and revamp its agriculture industry.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey Kitingan said Sabah is in a dire need to lift itself economically after a disastrous year ruined by the pandemic COVID-19.

“We have so much to catch up, but we are lucky to have the support of generous China in guiding us and helping us achieve our ambition.

Jeffrey Kitingan

“Sabah is an agricultural state and we are looking to elevate this industry to a higher level through the use of the 5G technology.

“China is the leading country in the technological front, making one breakthrough after another, surpassing any other countries in the world.

“Therefore, as the deputy chief minister, I am hoping China will assist Sabah in achieving its ambition and eventually raise our standards of living to a level we had always wanted to be,” he said after meeting the Consul General of China.

Jeffrey, who is also the Agriculture and Fisheries Minister said this at a ceremony to handover donations to the Tambunan Bondulu Orphanage by the Consul General Liang Caide here today.

Sabah thanks China for its help and support

He added the Sabah government is grateful for the continued support from the Chinese government through its consulate in Kota Kinabalu and called for a greater cooperation in the future.

This includes sharing their knowledge and experience on how to handle the COVID-19 pandemic more effectively and efficiently.